Dark Time
Owners Manual
V1.2
DOEPFER MUSIKELEKTRONIK GmbH
2 3
DOEPFER
Dark Time
Owners Manual
Safety Instructions
Please follow the instructions for use of the instrument carefully because this will guarantee
proper operation of the instrument. Due to the fact that these instructions touch on Product Liability, it is
absolutely imperative that they be read carefully. Any claim for defect will be rejected if one or more
of the items has not been observed.
Disregard of the instructions can void the two years covered by warranty.
The instrument may only be operated at the voltage stated on the power input on the rear panel. Before
opening the case, disconnect both power plug and power adaptor.
All eventual modications are to be performed by a qualied person only in accordance with valid safety
instructions. With the introduction of a third person, the warranty will be void. In case of a destroyed
warranty seal, any warranty claim will be rejected.
The instrument must never be operated outdoors but solely in dry rooms. Never use the instrument in a
humid or wet environment, nor near ammable goods.
No liquids or conducting substances must get into the instrument. Should this be the case, the instrument
is to be disconnected from mains power immediately and examined, cleaned and possibly repaired by a
qualied technician.
Never expose the instrument to temperatures above +50° C or below -10° C. Before operation, the
instrument should have a temperature of at least 10°C. Do not expose the instrument to direct sunlight.
Do not install the instrument near heat sources like heaters, open re places, central heating etc.
Keep the top of the instrument clear in order to allow proper ventilation, otherwise the instrument
could eventually overheat.
Never place heavy objects on the instrument.
Transport the instrument carefully, never let it drop or fall over. Make sure that during transport and in use
the instrument is supported properly and cannot drop, slip or fall over because people might get injured.
Never use the instrument in the immediate proximity of electronic devices (e.g. monitors, power
supplies, computers) as these interferences could cause malfunctions within Dark Time and corrupt
memory data.
The instrument is to be shipped in the original packaging only. Any instrument shipped to us for return,
exchange, warranty repair, update or examination has to be in its original packaging! All other deliveries
will be rejected. Therefore, make sure you keep the original packaging and technical documentation.
The instrument may only be used for the purpose described in this operating manual. Due to safety
reasons, the instrument must never be used for other purposes.
When using the instrument in Germany, the appropriate VDE standards are to be followed. The following
standards are of special importance: DIN VDE 0100 (Teil 300/11.85, Teil 410/11.83, Teil 481/10.87), DIN
VDE 0532 (Teil 1/03.82), DIN VDE 0550 (Teil 1/12.69), DIN VDE 0551 (05.72), DIN VDE 0551e (06.75),
DIN VDE 0700 (Teil 1/02.81, Teil 207/10.82), DIN VDE 0711 (Teil 500/10.89), DIN VDE 0860 (05.89), DIN
VDE 0869 (01.85). VDE papers can be obtained from the VDE-Verlag GmbH, Berlin.
Content:
Safety Instructions 2
1. Introduction
1.1. Preface 4
1.2. Preparations 5
1.2.1. Setup 5
1.2.2. Connections 5
2. Function Overview 7
3. Functions
3.1. The Controls 9
3.1.1. Step-Input 9
3.1.2. CV/Gate-Ouput sockets 10
3.1.3. Sequence-Control 11
3.1.4. Tempo/Timing 13
3.1.5. Transport Keys 15
3.2. Individual Step Parameters
3.2.1. Parameter Assignement 15
3.2.2 MIDI Controller Assignement 16
3.3. Synchronization and Remote Control
3.3.1. MIDI-Interface 17
3.3.2. Additional MIDI Functions 18
3.3.3. MIDI-Clock 20
3.3.4. Analog-Interface 21
3.3.5. Dark Time as MIDI-Clock
to Sync Interface 25
3.4. Menu Overview 28
3.5. Show OS Version / Reset 29
3.6. Firmware Update 29
3.7. +12V Modication 31
4. Nuts and bolts of step sequencing 32
5. Addendum 35
Dark time
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Introduction
Dark time
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Introduction
4 5
1. Introduction
1.1. Preface
Doepfer thanks you!
First of all we would like to thank you for having purchased Doepfer Dark Time! We really appreciate your
choice and promise you an extraordinary support throughout, including useful information, easy service,
and innovative product development.
May your Dark Time be an important source of creative power for ages to come.
What time is it?
Dark Time is a sequencer in the tradition of an analog step sequencer. Even though Dark Time’s circuitry is
almost entirely digital, its user interface and operation are perfectly in line with a classic analog machine of
yesteryear. Because of this, we chose to refer to Dark Time as an ”analog sequencer” in this manual.
Dark Time sports a USB port, MIDI sockets, and connectors for analog control voltages and gate signals.
Yet, Dark Time is a modern tool for sound creation and can easily be connected not only to our Dark
Energy analog synthesizer (hint, hint), but also to all sorts of other analog and digital gear which is suitably
equipped with a MIDI/USB port and/or CV/Gate connectors. Dark Time can easily be connected to every
modern computer-based studio or live-setup. Hooking up Dark Time to classic vintage analog equipment or
a Doepfer A-100 modular system is also easy. In addition to this, Dark Time interfaces the digital world of
MIDI with the analog world of control voltages.
Dark Time is housed in a rugged black sheet metal case with wooden side panels. Sturdy high-quality
potentiometers (often referred to as “pot”, in case you are wondering where the “weed” is hidden…) with
metal shafts have been used throughout. Each pot has been mounted rmly to the chassis. We also made
use of knob caps which have a classy vintage look and feel to them.
R.t.f.m.!
We knew it: User manuals are your rst and only choice in literature. Hey, that’s great – we’re talking the
same language here!
If you are doubting the entertaining qualities of this manual – how dare you! –, please bear in mind that
its thorough study will eventually turn out to be quite useful as it will highly increase the inspirational
value of your new analog sequencer. So please do yourself - and us - a big favor: Read (and, if possible,
understand) this frigging manual! Thanks for your time, and bless you for your efforts!
In the rst section you will nd all info needed to successfully hook up Dark Time to your setup.
After that, you will nd a brief overview of its functions. Sequencer experts may use this as a quickstart
guide. You should not skip the complete description of the entire “Functions” section in the next chapter,
though – Dark Time hides some interesting features under its hood. If sequencer technology –
especially the secrets of analog sequencing – are totally new to you, please refer to “Nuts and Bolts of
analog Sequencing“ later on in this manual.
Enough babble - here we go...
1.2. Getting started
When lifting Dark Time out of its box for the rst time, please make sure that everything is in its right place.
You will nd the following component parts in the box:
• Dark Time sequencer
• wall-wart (12V AC / ≥400mA)
• USB cable (A-B type)
• two A-100 patch cables
• this owners´ manual
You will also need:
A suitable sound generation device with MIDI- and/or CV/gate connectors (e.g. Doepfer Dark Energy
synthesizer).
To run Dark Time via its MIDI-DIN socket, you will also need:
• A MIDI cable to control a suitable MIDI-synthesizer from Dark Time.
To run Dark Time via its CV/Gate inputs, you will also need:
• At least two 1/8” plug patch cables – the more, the better – and a suitable equipped analogue
synthesizer (e.g. the Doepfer Dark Energy or a Doepfer modular synthesizer model A-100).
1.2.1. Setup:
Use Dark Time in a at or upright position. Please use a suitable support. Used pizza cartons or beer crates
should not be your rst choice. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
1.2.2. Connections:
You do not necessarily need all its built-in sockets to get Dark Time going. For a simple setup, you will need
just the ones pictured below. Make use of the additional terminals and you will tremendously expand Dark
Time’s potential. These connectors will be described along with the corresponding modules later on in this
manual.
• Power supply:
Connect the included power adaptor (“wall wart”) to the 12V AC socket on the rear panel of
Dark Time.
Important: Use this power adaptor only or an equivalent one with exactly the same specs!
Powering Dark Time via USB is not possible since the internal analog circuitry of Dark Time
runs at +/-12V.
• USB:
First, power up Dark Time. Second, connect Dark Time’s USB socket with your suitably equipped
synthesizer or computer. Any conguration or driver installation work is not required on your
computer.
• MIDI:
Connect Dark Time’s MIDI-out socket with the MIDI-in socket of your MIDI synthesizer to run Dark
Time in a conventional MIDI setup without USB.
The default setting of Dark Time‘s MIDI channel is Channel 1. How to change this setting is
described on page 17 in chapter 3.3.1, “MIDI interface“.
Overview
Dark time
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Dark time
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Introduction
6
MIDI
Out
Tune
Res
ADSR
Range
Shape
Shape
Shape
Range
Range
LFO1 LFO2 LFO1
LFO2
up half low
high
highhigh
low
low
ADSR ADSR ADSR
ADSR
down full
medium
Attack
Decay
Sustain
Release
medium
medium
Frequ.
Frequ.
Inputs Outputs
GateVCA AVCF FVCO PWVCO F Ext.
Audio
LFO1 Envelope Audio
VCO VCF
Envelope
VCA
LFO1
LFO2
o o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Frequ. Amp
AMXFMFM
PW
PWM
LFM
Octave
Source Source Source
Source
Track
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1
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Tune
Res
ADSR
Range
Shape
Shape
Shape
Range
Range
LFO1 LFO2 LFO1
LFO2
up half low
high
highhigh
low
low
ADSR ADSR ADSR
ADSR
down full
medium
Attack
Decay
Sustain
Release
medium
medium
Frequ.
Frequ.
Inputs Outputs
GateVCA AVCF FVCO PWVCO F Ext.
Audio
LFO1 Envelope Audio
VCO VCF
Envelope
VCA
LFO1
LFO2
o o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Frequ. Amp
AMXFMFM
PW
PWM
LFM
Octave
Source Source Source
Source
Track
DARK ENERGY
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Vintage-
Drummachine
Gate
Out
12V AC
500mA
Power-
supply
Power-Outlet
Computer
with
Software-Sequenzer
USB
USB MIDI
In
MIDI
In
MIDI-Keyboard
or
MIDI-Drummachine
CV
Out
Clk.
Out/In
MIDI-Synthesizer
CV/Gate-Synthesizer
CV-Keyboard
or
Synthesizer-Module
CV
In
If so desired, please also connect Dark Time’s MIDI-in socket with the MIDI-out socket of e.g.
a suitably equipped computer or drum machine in order to synchronize both machines via
MIDI clock. Please refer to chapter 3.1.4. ”Tempo and Timing” on page 13, and chapter 3.2.
”Synchronization and remote control of Dark Time” on page 17.
• CV/Gate:
You only need to connect at least Gate 1 out and CV1 out jacks to run Dark Time with a CV/Gate-
based synthesizer. Gate triggers the synthesizer envelopes (which, in turn, normally control the
VCF and output VCA), CV1 determines the pitch of the VCO(s).
The Clk In/Out jacks make synchronization with vintage drum machines or sequencers possible
that have not been MIDIed.
Using additional connections, Dark Time will become capable of controlling two analog
synthesizers (or their parameters) in parallel. Also, some of Dark Time’s functions can
be remote-controlled by analog control signals. More about this topic later on in this manual.
The following pictures shows the most importand connections to and from Dark Time:
2. Function overview
Dark Time’s layout is in line with classic analog sequencers. It gives you direct access to all sequencer sta-
ges and their crucial parameters. Almost all functions to control the sequence with (like direction, transpose
etc.) are also directly accessible to the user. So Dark Time can be very easily tweaked and interacted with
”live” and on-the-y. To access Dark Times full functionality, you will need some sub menus. As soon as
they are enabled, the lower step row becomes an alternative functionality, e.g. gate lenght, velocity etc.
All control voltages and gate signals generated by Dark Time can be tapped from the sockets on the rear
analog interface panel. The sequence can be controlled in various ways via analog control voltage inputs
(e.g. transpose, reset etc.) while in progress. Clock input and output makes synchronization with external
analog gear easy.
Thanks to the built-in MIDI interface, Dark Time can easily be tied into a MIDI setup via DIN sockets or
USB port.
Step Input
– 16 Steps in two rows of 8 steps
each step with:
- knob for pitch or gate-length, velocity, MIDI-controller, pitchbend (lower row, depending on mode)
- two switches for step-status, on/o switching of sub-functions (depending on mode)
Sequence Control
– Transpose: +/- one octave, independently for steps 1 – 8
and 9 – 16
– CV-Range for step-knobs
– Scaling of step-knobs (Quantize) on, o, programmable
– Direction: Independently for steps 1 – 8 and 9 – 16; up,
down, random
– Linking of the two rows:
- 2 x 8 steps in parallel,
- 2 x 8 steps in serial,
- 1 x 8 plus one programmable parameter (”Custom” =
gate lenght, velocity, MIDI controller, pitchbend)
Tempo / Timing
– Clock-knob controls tempo or clock-devider setting
– Pulswidth-knob controls gate-lenght or shue-amount
– Sync (clock-source): intern, extern (analog),
MIDI/USB (MIDI-clock)
Control Buttons
– Transport-buttons
- Start/Stop
- Reset (to step 1)
- Step (next step manually)
– Function (access to 2nd functions)
Functions
Dark time
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9
Dark time
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Overview
8
Analog Interface
– St/St Out: Provides +5V/+12V* voltage while sequence is running
– St/St In: Starts resp. keeps sequence running while +5V/+12V* voltage is received
– Reset Out: Provides +5V/+12V* trigger when sequence is resetted
– Reset In: Resets sequence when +5V/+12V* trigger is received
– Clk Out: Provides internal clock-signal
– Clk In: Receives external analogue clock-signal
– Gate 1 Out: Provides gate-signals of steps 1 – 8 (+5V / +12V positive or inverted*)
– Gate 2 Out: Provides gate-signals of steps 9 – 16 (+5V / +12V positive or inverted*)
– CV 1 Out: Provides control-voltage of steps 1 – 8 (0V to +1V / +2V / +5V)
– CV 2 Out: Provides control-voltage of steps 9 – 16 (0V to +1V / +2V / +5V)
– CV 1 In: Receives external control-voltage to control steps 1 – 8 (0V to +5V)
– CV 2 In: Receives external control-voltage to control steps 9 – 16 (0V to +5V)
(* By setting an internal jumper, the voltages for start/stop, reset and gate can be set from +5V
(default value) to +12V. Please refer to page 21, section 3.4. (Inverted gate via sub-function).
MIDI Interface
– MIDI-In
– MIDI-Out
– USB (for MIDI via USB)
Power Supply
(12V AC, 500 mA)
The following picture shows some kind of ”basic setting”. When the panel functions are set to this, Dark
Time will play two parallel 8-note sequences with all steps at equal pitch and length. Control voltages of
1V/octave scaling (the common standard) are putted out, the step-knobs are quantised which means their
range is divided into descrete half-tone steps. Dark Times tempo is internally controlled resp. controlled by
the clock-knob. Step length is equal for all steps.
You may use this setting as a starting point to program your sequences.
In case of any kind of ”strange behavior”, Dark Time should be brought into this basic setting in order to
”clean it up”. After resetting Dark Time (see page 27), this basic setting should also be dialed in.
ShueDivide
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
00
2V
Scale
Random
Random
1-16
O
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop
Stop Stop Stop Stop
+1
61-961-9
Stop Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip
Skip Skip Skip Skip
1V O Up Up 2x(1-8) Internal
External
+1
8-18-1
Skip Skip Skip
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
Skip
On On On On On On On On
On On On On
5V On Down Down 1-8
Combi
Midi/USB-1
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
-1
Cont. Cont. Cont.
PulsewidthClock
Transpose Range Quantize Direction Link Sync
Cont.
DARK TIME
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00
0
00000000
4444444
44
4
44444444
6666666
6
5
6
6
66666666
1111111
11
1
11111111
3333333
33
3
33333333
2222222
22
28888888
88
8
88888888 22222222
01010101010101
1010
10
0101010101010101
9999999
99
9
99999999
7777777
77
7
77777777
3. Functions
In this section we will explore all functions of Dark Time in detail. We will also have a closer look at the way
the functions interact, and nally we will briey deal with the MIDI and analog interfacing section.
3.1. The Controls
3.1.1. Step Input Panel
The step input panel is used to program a sequence into Dark Time. That means notes, their respective
pitches and rests as well as points where the sequence circle starts and ends can be determined here. The
step input panel features the controls necessary for each of the 2 x 8 or 16 stages respectively. They are
the same for each step and can be found replicated sixteen times.
Each stage provides the following four control elements:
• Two step status switches:
The step status switches determine the behaviour of a sequence stage as soon as it is active:
• Switch On / Off / Skip
– On = The step is part of the sequence and generates a trigger
signal, i.e. it is active.
– Off = The step is ”muted” or, in other words, becomes a rest. The
step will not put out a trigger signal.
– Skip = The step is not part of the sequence. It is skipped and will not
generate a trigger signal.
• Switch Stop / Continue / Jump
– Cont(inue) = Sequence will continue like nothing happened.
– Stop = Sequence stops on this stage (can be disabled, s. page 20).
– Jump = As long as only one of these 16 switches is set to ”Jump”, the
particular step performs a reset (that is, the sequence
will return to step 1 and start from there again).
If two steps are set to ”Jump”, the rst one will determine the starting point of the
sequence, the second will become the nal step of the circle. The sequence will cycle
only between these two steps set to ”Jump” position as they will determine the margins
of the sequence. If you set more stages to ”Jump” position other than the previously
selected ones, these steps will become the new start and end points. If you set steps to
Dark time
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Functions
Functions
Dark time
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10 11
”Jump” within the previously selected range, they will not affect the sequence in any way.
Please note: in”1-16” mode, no jumps ps between both registers can be performed.
Confusing, eh? Not really, go ahead, and with a little practice you will see how useful this little feature is:
Using these pretty simple settings, you may create quite interesting and ever-changing complex musical
patterns. You may completely ”reprogram” the sequence by just the ick of a switch or two. Give it a try and
you will get an idea why analog sequencers enjoy great popularity, especially within live electronic music
contexts. Once you have got the hang of it, you will get great results and endless hours of sequencing
excitement.
Oops – here‘s a hidden function: Setting both step status switches of steps 1 and 9 on ”Jump” resp.
”Skip” will entirely disable their corresponding row.
• LED
The status LED will light up when the corresponding step has been reached and
show the current position of the sequence.
• Step-knob
– This control determines the pitch of the respective step. The behavior of this pot
(and all other step controls) depends on the settings of the ”Range” and
”Quantize” switches. More about this in chapter 3.1.3., ”Sequence Control” on
page 11.
– Depending on the operation mode, the lower eight step controls determine several
parameters for the corresponding upper eight steps. This can be gate lenght,
velocity, a MIDI-controller or pitch bend. You will nd a description in
chapter 3.2. on page 15.
3.1.2. CV/Gate output sockets
Each step set to ”on” will generate several signals at a time when active. These can be tapped from the
sockets on the rear interface panel of Dark Time. They can be used to control other sound sources
connected.
• Gate 1 / 2 Out
– Gate 1 Out delivers gate signals of steps 1 – 8 (+5V / +12V).
– Gate 2 Out delivers gate signals of steps 9 – 16 (+5V / +12V).
(An internal jumper-setting determines a gate signal voltage of +5V or +12V.
Please refer to page 21, section 3.4.) Polarity is inverted by a sub-function (page 22).
• CV 1 Out / CV 2 Out
– CV 1 Out delivers control voltage of steps 1 – 8.
– CV 2 Out delivers control voltage of steps 9 – 16.
3.1.3. Sequence Control
The sequence control functions allow control over the previously programmed sequence. They determine
or alter pitch and / or the playback order of the step registers.
• Transpose
With these switches you can transpose both registers of the sequence up or down by one octave.
The switch on the left addresses steps 1 – 8, the switch on the right addresses steps 9 – 16.
• Range
This switch determines the control voltage range and thus the pitch range that is covered by one
entire turn of a step control. You may select between 1 Volt, 2 Volts and 5 Volts. If the synthesizer
connected works with a control scaling of 1V/octave, these voltages are equivalent to a range of
one, two, or ve octaves.
• Quantize
When this switch is set to ”Off”, the step controls will be almost continuously variable within the
range determined by the ”Range” switch. We use the term ’almost’ since it is still stepped digitally,
but into 1024 very small increments which are – in effect – continuous and barely noticeable.
Set to ”On”, the control voltage range gets scaled. That means, it is sliced into discrete steps that
are equivalents of musical semitones. The number of chromatic steps, i. e. semitones that are
covered by one entire turn of a step control is again determined by the setting of the ”Range” switch.
When set to ”1V”, the step controls are quantized into 13 discrete semitones (one octave, or – to be
more precise – a ”ninth” interval; e.g. ”c” to ”C”). ”2V” means 25 semitones (two octaves) and ”5V”
means 61 semitones (ve octaves).
”Scale” allows the programming of any desired scaling. In other words: So the sequencer is forced
to play only selected notes that t into a certain musical scale. This is how to program these
”selected notes” – we will need a ”sub menu“ to do this::
• First, please set the Quantize switch to position ”Scale”. This enables the Scale function.
• Hold down the Function key at least 5 sec until it starts ashing. The key-LEDs ”Start/Stop”,
”Reset” and ”Step” will light up.
• Press ”Reset” to enter the Scale programming function. The Reset-LED lights up, the
Function-LED still ashes.
• The rst 12 Step switches ”On/Off/Skip” will now switch on/off the 12 semitones of an octave.
Please refer to the chart on the following page.
Depending on the selected notes, you may create certain musical scales. The chart shows the
settings for C-majer and C-minor as examples.
ShueDivide
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
00
2V
Scale
Random
Random
1-16
O
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop
Stop Stop Stop Stop
+1
61-961-9
Stop Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip
Skip Skip Skip Skip
1V OUp Up 2x(1-8) Internal
External
+1
8-18-1
Skip Skip Skip
Start/Stop Reset Step Function
Skip
On On On On On On On On
On On On On
5V On Down Down 1-8
Combi
Midi/USB-1
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
-1
Cont. Cont. Cont.
PulsewidthClock
Transpose Range Quantize Direction Link Sync
Cont.
DARK TIME
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0
00000000
4444444
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4
44444444
6666666
6
5
6
6
66666666
1111111
11
1
11111111
3333333
33
3
33333333
2222222
22
28888888
88
8
88888888 22222222
01010101010101
1010
10
0101010101010101
9999999
99
9
99999999
7777777
77
7
77777777
The sequence is running from step 2 to step 6 (rst and last steps on ”Jump”-position). Step 5 will
not generate a trigger-signal (”Skip"). Step 4 (also on ”Jump”-position) does not aect the sequence.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8
Note:
Operation Steps:
Functions:
Sub-Functions for Steps 1-11
Step 1: MIDI-Contr. Box (sends/receives MIDI-Contr.-data)
Step 2: Gate-Out Polarity
Step 3: CV-Out Value hold on/off
Step 4: Gate-Lenght normal/legato
Step 5: Merge MIDI-In and internal MIDI data
Step 6: Send MIDI-Realtime-data (DIN socket)
Step 7: Send MIDI-Realtime-data (USB-Port)
Step 8: MIDI-Transpose/Loop function
Step 9: Auto Save function
Step 10: Step-switch position ”Stop” disabled
Step 11: Input clock-divider disabled for MIDI-Clock
Scale-Function
Step-Schalter 1-13 enable/disable Noten ”C” bis ”C1” (ON/OFF)
Step-Switches ON/OFF
hold down (> 5 Sec.)
=> LED flashes
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
press
hold down (> 5 Sec.)
=> LED flashes
press
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
enable
Scale-Ftcn
Quantize
Scale
6.
6.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
O
Jump
Stop Stop Stop
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
8
Skip Skip Skip Skip
1.
2.
1.
2.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
9 10 11
Dark time
DOEPFER
Functions
Functions
Dark time
DOEPFER
12 13
3.1.4. Tempo / Timing
The following controls give access to tempo and timing of the sequence. You will nd a shufe function and
the option to program individual gate time settings for the upper register.
• Sync switch
The sync switch determines the clock source for Dark Time’s tempo control. Set to ”Internal”, Dark
Time will internally generate a clock signal of its own. The Clock pot controls the clock rate, the gate
time can be varied using the Pulsewidth control (see below). The Transport keys of Dark Time are
also active.
Set to ”External”, the speed is only controlled by an external signal coming in via the Clk-In socket.
Each signal/trigger moves the sequencer one step further. Dark Time’s Clock and Pulsewidth
controls as well as Divide and Shufe functions will not be active in this case. The Transport keys
will still be active, though.
Set to ”MIDI/USB”, the tempo is controlled by a MIDI clock signal coming in via the MIDI-In socket
or the USB-port or by an analogue clock signal attached to the ClkIn socket. The Clock control of
Dark Time will not be active in both cases. The Pulsewidth control will remain active and allow to set
the gate time as well as the shufe amount (s. below). The Transport buttons will also remain active.
You will nd more details concerning the synchronization of Dark Times in section 3.2.
”Synchronization and remote control of Dark Time” on page 17.
• Clock control / Function key
Clock:
This control determines the speed of the sequence when the Sync switch is set to ”Internal”
position. When set to ”External” or ”MIDI/USB”, the Clock control will not be active.
Divide (with function key):
As a second function, the Clock control allows to set the clock divider. To determine a specic
clock divider ratio, keep the Function key pressed and turn the Clock control. You will notice the
Step status LEDs 1 to 14 light up one by one. The highest number lit up corresponds to the clock
divider ratio, listed in the chart on the following page.
Please bear in mind that the clock divider is only available when the Sync switch is in ”Internal” or
”Midi//USB“ position.
Step Note Setting for ”C-Major” Setting for ”C-Minor”
1 C on on
2 sharp C off off
3 D on on
4 sharp D off on
5 E on off
6 F on on
7 sharp F off off
8 G on on
9 sharp G off off
10 A on on
11 sharp A off off
12 H on on
• To leave the Scale function, simply press the Function key once again. Dark Time reverts back to
it‘s standard functionality.
Please note: the scale function only affects only the MIDI note output – not the CV output!
Even if all switches are set to ”off”, the note ”C” is played.
You will nd some information and additional ideas dealing with this topic in chapter 4, “Nuts and bolts of
analog sequencing“, and in section 4.2.2., ”Programming melodies into the step sequencer” on page 33.
• Direction
Use these switches to determine the playback order for both step registers independently. The
left-hand switch addresses steps 1 – 8, the right-hand switch addresses steps 9 – 16. In ”Up”
position, the respective register will run forward, in ”Down” position backward. ”Random” will
address steps in random order (would you have guessed?).
• Link
Use these switches to run both step registers in parallel (”2x(1-8)”) or serial (”1-16”) mode.
”2x(1-8)” will generate two sequences of eight steps maximum, running in parallel, ”1-16” will
generate two sequences running in serial.
”Combi” allows the programming of individual parameter settings for each of the steps of the upper
register. Available parameters are gate lenght, velocity, a MIDI-controller or pitchbend. Please note
that only one of these parameters can become part of the sequence.
You will nd a detailed description in section 3.2 ”Individual Parameter Settings for Steps 1 – 8” on
page 15.
Clock-divider:
1/8 Note
Dark time
DOEPFER
Functions
Functions
Dark time
DOEPFER
14 15
Clock-divider note-value Number of lighted
Step-LEDs
1/2 2
1/4. (dotted) 3
1/4 4
1/8. (dotted) 5
1/8 6
1/16. (dotted) 7
1/4T (1/12) 8
1/16 9
1/8T (1/24) 10
1/32 11
1/16T (1/48) 12
1/64 13
1/96 (Roland DIN-Sync) 14
• Pulswidth-control / Function-key
Pulswidth:
This control determines the duration of gate signals, generated by all active steps resp. their
note values. Turned fully counter-clockwise, the single steps will appear as short pulses. Turned
fully clockwise, they will be played almost in ”legato” fashion.
The duration of the gate signals is also dependent on the settings of the clock divider (please refer
to the chart above).
Usually, the pulswidth (resp. gate-lenght) has
a value range between 15% and 85% of the
clock rate. This range can be extended with
the help of a sub-menu. You’ll nd this func-
tion described on page 22, section 3.2.4
”CV/gate outputs”.
The audible result of the different gate lengths depends a lot on the setting of the relevant
parameters on the synthesizer connected: A short and percussive sound with a percussive
envelope setting will still produce a short and percussive sound, even at high gate length settings. In
contrast, a sustained sound with long decay and release settings will not be interrupted by a short
gate length or a low pulse width value respectively. In any case the pulse width value can be an
important part of the sound of the sequence. Feel free to experiment!
Shufe (with function key):
As well as the Clock control, the Pulsewidth pot yields control over a second function:
Connected to the Function key, it is used to set the amount of the shufe function. This
function will delay some steps a bit by a certain factor in order to add more ”groove” or ”swing” to
the sequence.
To set the Shufe amount, keep the Function key pressed and turn the Pulsewidth control. The
more you turn the Pulsewidth control clockwise, the more the sequence will get shufed. You will
hear the increasing shift in the timing of the rhythm easily.
Please bear in mind that the Pulsewidth and Shufe functions are only available
when the Sync switch is in ”Internal” or ”MIDI/USB”-position, not ”External”.
3.1.5. Transport keys
These three keys control the so-called transport functions of Dark Time.
• Start/Stop key
Hitting the Start/Stop key once will get the sequencer going. Hitting it once
again, the sequencer will stop. The next hit will restart the sequence and play
back will continue from where it was stopped. In other words: If the sequence
was stopped on step 8, the sequence will continue from step 9 when hitting
Start/Stop.
• Reset key
Hitting the Reset key will reset the sequence to the rst active step. This can
be step 1 (1-16 mode), step 1 and 9 (2x(1-8) mode) or any step in ”jump”
position which determines the current starting point of the sequence.
• Step key
The rst hit will activate the Step key function. Each new hit on this key will
make the register skip one step forward to the next step available. This way
you can step through the sequence manually. Hitting the Stop key will quit
this function.
ShueDivide
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
00
2V
Scale
Random
Random
1-16
O
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop
Stop Stop Stop Stop
+1
61-961-9
Stop Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip
Skip Skip Skip Skip
1V OUp Up 2x(1-8) Internal
External
+1
8-18-1
Skip Skip Skip
Start/Stop Reset Step Function
Skip
On On On On On On On On
On On On On
5V On Down Down 1-8
Combi
Midi/USB-1
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
-1
Cont. Cont. Cont.
PulsewidthClockTranspose Range Quantize Direction Link Sync
Cont.
DARK TIME DOEPFER
0000000
00
0
0
0000000
4444444
44
4
44444444
6666666
6
5
6
6
66666666
1111111
11
1
11111111
3333333
33
3
3333333
3
2222222
22
28888888
88
8
88888888 22222222
01010101010101
1010
10
0101010101010101
9999999
9
9
9
99999999
7777777
77
7
77777777
Pitch
Step-lenght
Velocity
MIDI Controller
Pitchbend
”1-8 Combi“
3.2. Individual parameter settings for steps 1 to 8:
As you already know, the Pulsewidth control sets the gate time. This setting affects all steps by the same
factor. Next to this, Dark Time allows you to program individual step-values for another parameter by your
choice. This parameter can be gate lenght, velocity, one out of three MIDI controller or pitch bend. The
upper step register still controls the pitch of each step, the lower the chosen parameter. Of course such a
sequence will have only eight steps at maximum but can be musically very interesting.
The following parameters are alternatively available:
• Gate- (Step-) Lenght
• Velocity
• MIDI-Controller 1 (Modwheel)
• MIDI-Controller 7 (Volume)
• selectable MIDI-Controller (by Learn-Function)
• Pitchbend
Only one of these parameters can be enabled at a given
time.
3.2.1. Parameter Assignment
This is how to program these parameters:
• Set the Link switch to ”Combi” position to enable the ”Combi-Mode”. Now Dark Time turns into an
8-step sequencer: The upper register still controls the pitch, the lower the chosen parameter.
• Press the Function key and hold it down (lights up). Now press the Step key while you still hold
down ”Function”. You are now ready to select the different functions, available in Combi Mode.
• Turn the Clock knob. The rst six step-LEDs light up according to one of the six available
parameters.
Pulswidth
narrow broad
Clock-Rate
Dark time
DOEPFER
Functions
Functions
Dark time
DOEPFER
16 17
• Now please turn step knobs 9 – 16 to apply the desired parameter value to the steps 1 – 8.
• Set Link switch to position ”2x(1-8)” or ”1-16”. Dark Time leaves the Combi-mode and works
”as usual”.
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
Note:
Operating Steps:
hold down
(LED lights up)
hold down
(LED lights up)
Tempo
Tempo
Gate-Lenght
Clock-Divider
global
Clock-Divider global
Shuffle
Shuffle
Gate-Lenght
LED Display:
no Display
no Display
no Display
Step-LED 1 – 14
(ref. to chart, p. 14)
Step-LED 1 – 14
(ref. to chart, p. 14)
Step-LED 1 – 14
(ref. to chart, p. 14)
Step-LED 1 – 16
Step-LED 1 – 16
Functions:
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
press
hold down
(LED lights up)
press
hold down
(LED lights up)
press
MIDI-Channel
Row 1
MIDI-Channel
Row 2
MIDI-Channel Row 1
MIDI-Channel Row 2
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
Clock-Div
Out
Clock-Div
In
Clock-Divider Out
Combi-Parameters:
LED 1: Gate-Lenght
LED 2: Velocity
LED 3: MIDI-Controller # 1
LED 4: MIDI-Controller # 7
LED 5: Selectable MIDI-Controller (Learn-Fctn.)
LED 6: Pitch-Bend
Learn-Function:
Dark Time receives Controller
for Combi-Parameter 5
Clock-Divider In
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
enable Combi-Parameter
Pitches for Steps 1-8
Parameter Values for Steps 1-8
Combi
Link
Parameter-
Selection
no
Function
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
hold down (> 5 Sec.)
=> LED flashes
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
0000000 0
4444444 46666666 6
1111111 1
3
3
33
3
33 3
2222222 28888888 8
01010101010101
10
9999999 9
7
7
77
77
7 7
0000000 0
4444444 46666666 6
1111111 1
3
3
33
3
33 3
2222222 28888888 8
01010101010101
10
9999999 9
7
7
77
77
7 7
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1.
2.
3.
3.
4.
3.2.2. Assign MIDI-Controller to Combi-Parameter #5
In case that you have just chosen Combi parameter #5 – the selectable MIDI-controller – you now may
assign a certain MIDI-controller to this function. Dark Time uses a learn function to do this:
• Hold down the Function key for at least 5 sec.
The Function LED ashes and the other three key-LEDs light up. Dark Time is now in learn mode and
stores a received controller-nr. It can be used for Combi-function #5.
• To leave the learn mode, simply press Function again.
”Driving” the sequencer with MIDI-notes:
Instead of MIDI controller numbers, also MIDI note numbers can be ”learned”. First, put Dark Time into Ex-
ternal-mode (Sync switch in position „External“). Then simply press a key on your connected MIDI keyboard
while Dark Time is in learn mode. After leaving learn mode, each time Dark Time receives the ”learned”
MIDI note, the sequencer moves on one step further.
This works much like receiving an analogue trigger signal at the Clk In socket when Dark Time is set to
External Mode. For more details, please see also page 20, section ”Synchronisation via MIDI Note Events”.
3.3. Synchronization and remote control of Dark Time
Dark Time offers a bunch of useful interfacing options to communicate with external gear. You are not only
restricted to playing MIDI and/or CV/gate-based synthesizers connected to Dark Time, you may also
synchronize it to other external instruments and even remote-control some of its functions. This will be
achieved through the MIDI and analog interfaces of Dark Time.
All functions covering this topic will be discussed in this chapter and you will nally nd detailed explana-
tions of functions that have only been discussed briey so far. Here we will quench your thirst for more.
3.3.1. MIDI-Interface
Dark Time sends and receives MIDI data via USB port or DIN sockets. Please
do not use both in parallel as unpredictable and undesirable effects may result.
Please refer to page 6 in the rst chapter of this manual concerning the hook-
up of Dark Time’s MIDI connections.
Sending and receiving MIDI notes
Each active step of Dark Time generates and sends MIDI note messages. They are made up of a note-on
and a note-off command as well as a MIDI note number. They will dene pitch (i. e. note name / number)
and note length. These data are channel-related, which means that they will be assigned to and transmitted
on one (or more) of the 16 existing MIDI channels.
Both step registers of Dark Time independently allow to transmit MIDI data on different MIDI channels. This
way you can control two sound generators simultaneously.
Dark Time also receives MIDI data: Connect a MIDI keyboard or a controller to Dark Time’s MIDI-In socket
(or USB port) and transpose the sequence on the y while it is chugging away.
Tune
Res
ADSR
Range
Shape
Shape
Shape
Range
Range
LFO1 LFO2 LFO1
LFO2
up half low
high
highhigh
low
low
ADSR ADSR ADSR
ADSR
down full
medium
Attack
Decay
Sustain
Release
medium
medium
Frequ.
Frequ.
Inputs Outputs
GateVCA AVCFFVCOPWVCOF Ext.
Audio
LFO1 Envelope Audio
VCO VCF
Envelope
VCA
LFO1
LFO2
o o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Frequ. Amp
AMXFMFM
PW
PWM
LFM
Octave
Source Source Source
Source
Track
DARK ENERGY DOEPFER
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
1
3
2
10
9
8
0
4
1
3
2
10
6
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
2
10
6
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
2
10
6
9
7
8
Tune
Res
ADSR
Range
Shape
Shape
Shape
Range
Range
LFO1 LFO2 LFO1
LFO2
up half low
high
highhigh
low
low
ADSR ADSR ADSR
ADSR
down full
medium
Attack
Decay
Sustain
Release
medium
medium
Frequ.
Frequ.
Inputs Outputs
GateVCA AVCFFVCOPWVCOF Ext.
Audio
LFO1 Envelope Audio
VCO VCF
Envelope
VCA
LFO1
LFO2
o o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Frequ. Amp
AMXFMFM
PW
PWM
LFM
Octave
Source Source Source
Source
Track
DARK ENERGY
DOEPFER
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
1
3
2
10
9
8
0
4
1
3
2
10
6
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
2
10
6
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
2
10
6
9
7
8
MIDI-Notedata on
MIDI-channel 1-16
MIDI-Notedata on
MIDI-channel 1-16
Dark Time
MIDI-Soundsource
MIDI-Keyboard
transposes Sequence
MIDI/USB
MIDI/USB
Step-row 1
Step-row 2
Step-row 1 and/or 2
Dark time
DOEPFER
Functions
Functions
Dark time
DOEPFER
18 19
Selecting the MIDI channel:
The default setting is MIDI channel 1 for both registers. Use a sub function to change the MIDI channel
settings of both registers.
• To change the settings of the MIDI channels for the upper and lower step registers, please
- rst press and hold the ”Function” key (LED lights up), then press ”Start/Stop” key while
”Function” is still held down.
- Select the desired MIDI channel for the upper step register by turning the Clock control while
both ”Function” and ”Start/Stop” keys are still held down. The number of step LEDs lit up will
indicate the channel-number (1 - 16).
• To change the setting of the MIDI channel for the lower step register, please turn the
Clock control while both ”Function” and ”Start/Stop” keys are still held down. Again, the number
of step LEDs lit up will indicate the channel-number (1 - 16).
• To exit the function, simply release ”Function” and ”Start/Stop” keys.
Please do not forget to change the MIDI channel of both registers.
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
Note:
Operating Steps:
hold down
(LED lights up)
hold down
(LED lights up)
Tempo
Tempo
Gate-Lenght
Clock-Divider
global
Clock-Divider global
Shuffle
Shuffle
Gate-Lenght
LED Display:
no Display
no Display
no Display
Step-LED 1 – 14
(ref. to chart, p. 14)
Step-LED 1 – 14
(ref. to chart, p. 14)
Step-LED 1 – 14
(ref. to chart, p. 14)
Step-LED 1 – 16
Step-LED 1 – 16
Functions:
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
press
hold down
(LED lights up)
press
hold down
(LED lights up)
press
MIDI-Channel
Row 1
MIDI-Channel
Row 2
MIDI-Channel Row 1
MIDI-Channel Row 2
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
Clock-Div
Out
Clock-Div
In
Clock-Divider Out
Combi-Parameters:
LED 1: Gate-Lenght
LED 2: Velocity
LED 3: MIDI-Controller # 1
LED 4: MIDI-Controller # 7
LED 5: Selectable MIDI-Controller (Learn-Fctn.)
LED 6: Pitch-Bend
Learn-Function:
Dark Time receives Controller
for Combi-Parameter 5
Clock-Divider In
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
enable Combi-Parameter
Pitches for Steps 1-8
Parameter Values for Steps 1-8
Combi
Link
Parameter-
Selection
no
Function
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
hold down (> 5 Sec.)
=> LED flashes
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
0000000 0
4444444 46666666 6
1111111 1
3
3
33
3
33 3
2222222 28888888 8
01010101010101
10
9999999 9
7
7
77
77
7 7
0000000 0
4444444 46666666 6
1111111 1
3
3
33
3
33 3
2222222 28888888 8
01010101010101
10
9999999 9
7
7
77
77
7 7
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
3.3.2. Additional MIDI-Functions
In another sub menu, you will nd some more MIDI-functions. They are a bit special but might be useful
from time to time. Next to these MIDI functions, you‘ll access some more (non MIDI related) functions via
this sub menu. These functions are covered at other places.
How to open the sub menu:
Note:
Operation Steps:
Functions:
Sub-Functions for Steps 1-11
Step 1: MIDI-Contr. Box (sends/receives MIDI-Contr.-data)
Step 2: Gate-Out Polarity
Step 3: CV-Out Value hold on/off
Step 4: Gate-Lenght normal/legato
Step 5: Merge MIDI-In and internal MIDI data
Step 6: Send MIDI-Realtime-data (DIN socket)
Step 7: Send MIDI-Realtime-data (USB-Port)
Step 8: MIDI-Transpose/Loop function
Step 9: Auto Save function
Step 10: Step-switch position ”Stop” disabled
Step 11: Input clock-divider disabled for MIDI-Clock
Scale-Function
Step-Schalter 1-13 enable/disable Noten ”C” bis ”C1” (ON/OFF)
Step-Switches ON/OFF
hold down (> 5 Sec.)
=> LED flashes
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
press
hold down (> 5 Sec.)
=> LED flashes
press
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
enable
Scale-Ftcn
Quantize
Scale
6.
6.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
O
Jump
Stop Stop Stop
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
8
Skip Skip Skip Skip
1.
2.
1.
2.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
9 10 11
• Hold down the Function key for at least 5 sec. The Function LED ashes and the other three
key-LEDs light up.
• Press the Start/Stop key (it remains lighted up). You just entered the sub menu.
In this state of function, the Step switches ”On/Off/Skip” of the steps 1 - 11 work as on/off switches for
several sub-functions. Only the ”On/Off” positions are relevant (not ”Skip”).
The step LEDs show you the current status of the corresponding function. Since the setting of the switches
may not necessarily match the current function-status after entering the sub menu, it is useful to operate
the switches several times until you get a clear feedback over the current function status.
• To exit the sub menu, simply press ”Function” once more. Dark Time reverts to it‘s usual way of
opration.
The following MIDI functions are available in the sub menu:
MIDI-Controllerbox (Step switch 1):
Dark Time can be (miss)used as a controllerbox to control external MIDI gear resp. software. The following
control elements send MIDI data as soon as this function is enabled:
• Step knobs send MIDI controller data.
• Step switches send MIDI note data.
Please note: This controller assignement is xed and cannot be edited. Dark Time sends these data only
on MIDI channel 16, regradless of the MIDI-channel settings for both step registers. This data is only sent
out via the MIDI-DIN socket – not the USB port.
Dark Time also receives MIDI-controller data (on MIDI channel 16 via the MIDI-DIN socket). You may
”remote control“ Dark Time this way. In the factory state, this function is disabled.
Merge internal and external MIDI data (Step switch 5):
With this function enabled, incomming MIDI data is merged with internally generated MIDI data and send
out on Dark Times MIDI out.
Please note: Under some circumstances, this function might cause MIDI-loops as well as timing problems
and malfunctions on Dark Time and external MIDI-gear. Please keep this in mind when using this function.
In the factory state, this function is disabled.
Send MIDI realtime-data via MIDI-out DIN socket (Step switch 6):
Send MIDI realtime-data via USB port (Step switch 7):
Usually, Dark Time sends out MIDI realtime data. This is MIDI-clock, start/stop/continue-commands as well
as active-sensing data. Under specic circumstances, these data might cause problems when received by
certain external gear. So it might be helpful from time to time, to disable this data output.
Please use Step switches 6 and 7 to disable (enable) the output of MIDI realtime data independently for the
MIDI DIN-socket and the USB port.
Please bear in mind: The transmission of MIDI realtime data (MIDI-clock, start/stop/continue-commands)
has to be enabled if external gear should be MIDI-synced. In the factory state, this function is enabled.
MIDI-Transpose/Loop function (Step switch 8):
This function determines Dark Times behavior when receiving MIDI-notes. When step switch 8 is set to
”on”, a received MIDI note transposes the running sequencer (please refer to page 17).
Set to ”off”, the rst received MIDI note starts the sequencer. Subsequent notes transpose it. The factory
setting is ”on”.
1.
2.
Dark time
DOEPFER
Functions
Functions
Dark time
DOEPFER
20 21
3.3.3. MIDI Clock
You can sync Dark Time with any suitable piece of MIDI gear (e.g. drum machines, software/hardware-
based sequencers etc.). To do this, Dark Time sends and receives MIDI clock data. This is a pulse signal
of 24 pulses per quarter note (24 ppq) which represents the tempo and additional start-/stop- and continue-
commands. These data are not related to a specic MIDI channel but global. Settings of a certain send or
receive channel are not required for clock data transmission.
Dark Time as master:
To synchronize an external piece of MIDI gear (e.g. a drum machine) to Dark Time using MIDI clock, simply
set the Sync switch to ”Internal” position. No additional settings are required. Set up the external device
as a ”slave” as described in its own manual. Now Dark Time will control the tempo and start/stop/continue
functions of the slaved unit.
Dark Time as slave:
If an external device is to control Dark Time’s tempo via MIDI clock, it has to be set up as master, with Dark
Time acting as slave. Set Dark Time’s Sync switch to “MIDI/USB”. Dark Time will now obey to incoming
MIDI clock data and respond to external start/stop/continue commands.
If you want to run Dark Time at a precisely dened tempo measured in BPM, it is useful to synchronize
Dark Time to a device that allows tempo adjustment in BPM values.
3.3.4. Analogue Interface
Of course, Dark Time allows interaction with non-MIDIed equipment. It will perfectly t into an analog setup.
The necessary connections can be made via the rear analog interface panel of Dark Time. It sports twelve
1/8” sockets with in- and outputs.
CV/gate outputs:
Let’s have a closer look at the connectors, shown in the gure below. Here, both step registers send out
control voltages and gate signals individually. These signals are necessary to control an external analog
synthesizer.
• The voltage levels sent out from the CV 1 Out and CV 2 Out sockets depend on the
setting of the step controls, the transpose and the range switches. The most common
use is controlling the pitch of an external synthesizer. The sockets provide a voltage
range between -2V and +10V. Of course these voltages cannot only be used for
controlling the pitch of a synthesizer, but also for controlling other parameters like
e.g. lter cut-off frequency, VCA amplitude, you name it.
• The sockets labeled Gate 1 Out and Gate 2 Out send out – you have already
guessed it – a gate signal, again for each register individually. Active sequencer
positions put out a signal of +5V/+12V (or inverted) at these sockets. The duration
of a gate signal depends on the setting of the Pulsewidth control (s. page 13).
positive gate: off on off inverted gate: on off on
The gate signal triggers the envelope generator of an external analog synthesizer which, in turn, will gene-
rate an audible tone as one envelope generator is commonly used to control the amplitude of a VCA.
Since Dark Time puts out control voltage and gate signal of both registers individually (Link-switch in
position ”2x(1-8)”), some interesting tricks can be achieved, e.g.:
• Control two synthesizers in parallel with two eight-step sequences.
• Control two different parameters of one synthesizer at the same time.
Some vintage synthesizers require a gate signal of +10V or higher (e.g. ARP 2600). In order to match also
with these machines, Dark Time‘s gate output level can be changed from +5V (default) to +12V by setting
of an internal jumper. Please refer to page 26, section 3.4.
Other synthesizers require negative (inverted) gate signals – please see above. In order to match also with
these machines, Dark Time‘s gate output can be inverted.
Inverting the gate signal is done via a sub menu. This sub menu also provides some more functions, that
help to make Dark Time‘s CV/gate output more exible. You became familiar with this sub menu earlier
when exploring Dark Times MIDI functions. The CV/gate related functions of this sub menu are described
on the following page.
Synchronisation via MIDI Note Events in External mode:
A quite different but pretty interesting alternative to synchronise Dark Time to external MIDI gear is via
MIDI-note events: When switched to External mode (Sync switch in position „External“), every time Dark
Time receives a certain MIDI note-on command, the sequencer switches one step forward. To enable this
function, we need the MIDI Learn function, described on page 16, section 3.2.2. Instead of a MIDI controller
number, Dark Time has to ”learn” a certain MIDI note.
Step-switch setting ”Stop” disabled (Step switch 10):
You may disable the setting ”Stop” of all step switches in oder to avoid unwanted stopping of the sequencer
when tweaking it live.
You will nd the sub-functions for step switches 2-4 as well as 9 and 11 described later in this manual.
Dark Time
MIDI-Drumcomputer
MIDI-Clock
MIDI-Clock
Sync: Internal
MASTER
MASTER
SLAVE
SLAVE
Sync: Midi/USB
Dark time
DOEPFER
Functions
Functions
Dark time
DOEPFER
22 23
How to open the sub menu:
• Hold down the Function key for at least 5 sec. The Function LED ashes and the other three
key-LEDs light up.
• Press the Start/Stop key (it remains lighted up). You just entered the sub menu.
In this state of function, the Step switches ”On/Off/Skip” of the steps 1 - 11 work as on/off switches for
several sub-functions. Only the ”On/Off” positions are relevant (not ”Skip”).
The step LEDs show you the current status of the corresponding function. Since the setting of the switches
may not necessarily match the current function-status after entering the sub menu, it is useful to operate the
switches several times until you get a clear feedback over the current function status.
• To exit the sub menu, simply press ”Function” once more. Dark Time reverts to it‘s usual way of
opration.
The following CV/gate output related functions are available in the sub menu:
Gate polarity (Step switch 2):
Invert the polarity of the gate signal here. If switched to ”On”, Dark Time puts out gate signals 1 and 2 with
an inverted polarisation of 5V (12V with modication). The factory setting ist ”Off” (positive gate).
CV-output hold level (Step switch 3):
With this function enabled, the CV level of the last played step is held, even if the next step is set to ”Off”
(Step switch = ”Off”). In the factory setting, this function is disabled.
Gate lenght normal/legato (Step switch 4):
Usually, the pulswidth (resp. gate-lenght) of each step has a value range between 15% and 85% of the
clock rate (”normal” = factory setting). This range can be extended to 1% to 200% (”legato”). When using
settings around 1% or >100%, unpredictable, but sometimes interesting results may occur, e.g. short multi-
triggers. Please be warned...
CV Inputs:
The inputs CV 1 In and CV 2 In take external control voltages within the range of 0V and +5V. These
voltages will be added to the voltages generated by the step registers. Both registers
may be addressed separately, with CV1 In corresponding to the upper register and
CV2 In to the lower.
There are many uses for these inputs, especially in combination with a modular
synthesizer system, e.g. the Doepfer A-100. You may feed dynamic voltages into
these inputs on order to achieve portamento effects or use staircase-type voltages to
transpose the step registers automatically.
Clock connectors:
To synchronize two instruments in the analog domain – e.g. Dark Time and a non-MIDIed vintage drum
machine – a clock signal is needed. A clock signal is a pulse wave, its frequency (pulses per time) determi-
nes the tempo of the synchronized device. When active, Dark Time will generate such a clock signal and
make it available at the Clk Out socket.
Changing the gate output voltage from +5V (default) to +12V by changing an internal jumper (see page 21),
will generate a clock signal of +12V.
• Dark Time as master:
Connect Dark Time’s Clk-Out socket to the clock-in socket of the ”slave” device (e.g.
vintage drum computer or another analog sequencer). Set Dark Times Sync switch
to ”Internal”. Now set up the external device as a ”slave” as described in its manual.
• Dark Time as slave:
You can also synchronize Dark Time to the tempo of an external device via the Clk In
socket. The master device must produce a suitable clock-signal (0/+5V) and has to
be connected to Dark Times Clk In socket. Set Dark Time’s Sync switch to
”MIDI/USB”. Its internal clock will now be driven by the external clock signal instead.
More on this on page 26.
Note:
Operation Steps:
Functions:
Sub-Functions for Steps 1-11
Step 1: MIDI-Contr. Box (sends/receives MIDI-Contr.-data)
Step 2: Gate-Out Polarity
Step 3: CV-Out Value hold on/off
Step 4: Gate-Lenght normal/legato
Step 5: Merge MIDI-In and internal MIDI data
Step 6: Send MIDI-Realtime-data (DIN socket)
Step 7: Send MIDI-Realtime-data (USB-Port)
Step 8: MIDI-Transpose/Loop function
Step 9: Auto Save function
Step 10: Step-switch position ”Stop” disabled
Step 11: Input clock-divider disabled for MIDI-Clock
Scale-Function
Step-Schalter 1-13 enable/disable Noten ”C” bis ”C1” (ON/OFF)
Step-Switches ON/OFF
hold down (> 5 Sec.)
=> LED flashes
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
press
hold down (> 5 Sec.)
=> LED flashes
press
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
enable
Scale-Ftcn
Quantize
Scale
6.
6.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
O
Jump
Stop Stop Stop
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
8
Skip Skip Skip Skip
1.
2.
1.
2.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
9 10 11
Dark Time
Drummaschine /
Analog-Sequenzer /
Modular-Synthesizer
Clock-Signal
Clock-Signal
Sync: Internal
MASTER
MASTER
SLAVE
SLAVE
Sync: External
Clk Out
Clk In
Start/Stop/Reset
Signal
St/St, Reset Out
Start/Stop/Reset
Signal
St/St, Reset Out
Dark time
DOEPFER
Functions
Functions
Dark time
DOEPFER
24 25
3.3.5. Dark Time as a MIDI-Clock-to-Sync interface and Clock-Converter
We could not resist to present a goody right at the end: Next to his internal clock-divider (page 13) Dark
Time offers additional input- and output clock dividers. They all work independently from each other. This
offers some very interesting opportunities:
• Internal clock divider (page 13) and output clock divider have different settings. You may solve
sync-problems or generate different tempo of Dark time (master) and external slave device.
• Dark Time’s input clock divider differs from the clock rate of an external master. Again, you may
solve sync-problems or generate different a tempo of the external master and the slaved Dark
Time – again rhythmically correct.
• Dark Time’s input- and output-clockdivider have both different settings. Dark Time now works as a
”transmission gear” to convert the clockrates of the external master and the external slave device.
Thus, two external units may be synchronised to each other.
Interesting as well is the fact, that Dark Time does not make any distinction between an analogue clock
signal at the Clk-In socket and a MIDI clock signal received at the MIDI input or the USB port.
So you may use Dark Time as a MIDI-Clock-to-Sync interface. When running as a slave with sync switch
set to ”MIDI/USB” and synced to an external MIDI-clock (master), Dark Time will send out a clock signal
from its Clk-Out socket according to its clock divider setting (please refer to section 3.1.4, page 13). You
may route this signal to another, non-MIDIed device (e.g. suitably equipped vintage drum machine or se-
quencer) in order to synchronize it with the master MIDI device.
Start/stop and reset signals coming in through Dark Time’s analog interface sockets are also available as
MIDI signals at the MIDI-out socket and the USB-port respectively.
Start/Stop and Reset sockets:
Each time Dark Time is started, the St/St Out socket puts out a +5V voltage (default setting). When Dark
Time is stopped, this voltage goes down to zero level (0V).
Each time a reset function is performed, Dark Time’s Reset Out socket will send out a short volateg pulse
of +5V.
Changing the gate output voltage from +5V (default) to +12V by changing an internal jumper (see page 30),
will also generate start/stop- and reset signals of +12V.
There are many uses for these signals, especially in combination with a modular
synthesizer system, e.g. the Doepfer A-100. You can trigger envelope generators in
time when Dark Time starts, stops or resets (e.g. the Doepfer modules A-140, A-141,
A-142), synchronize suitable LFOs (e.g. Doepfer A-145) or start/stop additional
sequencers, e.g. another Dark Time. The clock signal described above will ensure
the same rate for all units connected, the start/stop/reset-triggers will make sure that
both units will perform these actions at exactly the same time.
Running two Dark Times the way we have just mentioned suggests that the slave device can be started,
stopped and resetted by means of external signals. You have guessed it again – this exactly is the job of
the St/St In and Reset In sockets. Once the Reset In socket receives a positive voltage (switching from 0V
to +5V). Dark Time performs a reset function.
The same goes for the ST/ST In socket: As soon as a positive voltage is received (+5V), Dark Time starts
running resp. keeps on running as long as this voltage is received. As soon as this voltage goes down to
zero (0V), the sequencer stops.
The start-/stop-/continue commands of incoming MIDI data are available as +5V (+12V) voltages from the
St/St Out and Reset-out sockets of Dark Time.
Please note: A successful synchronization is only possible when all devices have suitable and matching
specications. Especially in the eld of vintage instruments, there are several manufacturer-related charac-
teristics that may cause problems. Especially ”scanning” a MIDI-clock signal at Dark Times inputs may not
allways lead to sufcient results. Please accept our sincere apologies that we at Doepfer cannot provide
you with any support if some devices behave unpredictably when hooked up for syncing.
External Sync:
Usually, a clock signal is a sequence of short and regular trigger signals.
With sync switch set to ”External”, Dark Time‘s ”engine” can be driven by allmost every kind of trigger
signal, even without any constant timing or time related reference. This can be triggers, single note events
or clock-signals, received at the Clk In socket. Even MIDI note on events received at the MIDI In socket or
the USB port will do the job (see also page 20). Each incomming event sets Dark Times sequencer one
step further.
If the incomming signals jitter, Dark Time jitters in the same amount.
In opposite to the ”MIDI/USB” setting, the signals are not scanned and interpreted by Dark Time into its own
internal clock signal. Dark Times ”internal clock” is disabled. This means, that no timing related
functions like shufe or clock divider are available when Sync is set to ”External”. The incomming signal is
sent through unprocessed to the clock out socket.
MIDI/USB
External
Internal
Sync
Clock Out
internal Clock off
Clock In
(analogue trigger)
MIDI/USB In
MIDI/USB Out(MIDI note on)
or and
You are not limited to use start/stop or reset signals of another Dark Time or a drum
machine when you use these sockets. You may use every kind of device that is
capable of putting out a +5V voltage. This can be a suitable footswitch or – again
– specic modules of the Doepfer A-100 modular system (just in case we haven’t
mentioned this one yet).
Dark time
DOEPFER
Functions
Functions
Dark time
DOEPFER
26 27
MIDI/USB
External
Internal
Sync
Clock Out
generates internal
clock from external
clock data
MIDI Clock MIDI Clock
Clock Divider
Clock Divider
Clock In
or
and
halten
(LED leuchtet)
drücken
Clock-Div
Out
Clock-Div
In
Shue
Divide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
0
0
44
6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
Dark Time as master device (Sync switch in position ”Internal”)
Set internal clock:
The internal clock controls Dark Time’s tempo when working as a master device. Set the tempo with the
Clock/Devide control and set the internal clockdivider setting while the Function key is held down. The
Step LEDs 1 to 14 display the clock divider setting (please refer to page 13). The Sync switch has to be
set to ”Internal”.
Set output clock divider:
The output clock divider is set with the Clock/Divide control as well, albeit while Function- and Reset keys
are held down. Again, the Step LEDs 1 to 14 display the clock divider setting.
As long as Dark Time works as master device, the Sync switch has to be in position ”Internal”.
You may disable Dark Times input clock divider at the MIDI in / USB port. Now all incomming MIDI-clock
data will keep the standard MIDI clock resolution of 96 ticks per quarter note. Dark Times internal input
clock divider will process only clock signals present at the Clock In socket. To disable the input clock divider
for MIDI-clock data, you will need the sub menu functions, formerly described on pages 18, 19 and 22.
How to open the sub menu:
• Hold down the Function key for at least 5 sec. The Function LED ashes and the other three
key-LEDs light up.
• Press the Start/Stop key (it remains lighted up). You just entered the sub menu.
In this state of function, the Step switches ”On/Off/Skip” of the steps 1 - 11 work as on/off switches for
several sub-functions. Only the ”On/Off” positions are relevant (not ”Skip”).
The step LEDs show you the current status of the corresponding function. Since the setting of the switches
may not necessarily match the current function-status after entering the sub menu, it is useful to operate
the switches several times until you get a clear feedback over the current function status.
• Please use Step switch 11 to disable / enable the input clock divider for MIDI-clock.
• To exit the sub menu, simply press ”Function” once more. Dark Time reverts to it‘s usual way of
opration.
MIDI/USB
Internal
Sync
Clock Out
internal Clock
MIDI Clock
Clock Divider
hold down
(LED lights up)
press
Clock-Div
Out
Shue
Divide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
0
0
44
6
5
6
11
3
3
22 88
10
10
99
77
hold down
(LED lights up)
Clock-Divider
intern
Shue
Divide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
and
External
Dark Time as slave device (Sync switch in position ”MIDI/USB”)
Dark Times tempo is now controlled by an external clock source which sends a constant stream of events
to Dark Time. these events resp. the clock signal can be a MIDI-clock as well as an analogue clock signal.
Dark Time analyses this clock signal and generates its own internal clock out of it. This clock signal drives
the sequencer and is putted out at the MIDI Out resp. the clock out socket. this means, that Dark Times tim-
ing related features like shufe and clock divider are also available, when it is running as a slave.
Next to this, Dark Time offers an input clock devider. You may use it to solve sync problems or to generate
different tempo relations between the master device and the slaved Dark Time – pretty cool, eh? Guess you
will love your Dark Time even more now...
Set input clock divider:
The input clock divider is set with the Pulswidth/Shufe control – as well as the output clock divider while
Function- and Reset-keys are held down.
Since Dark Time is working as slave device now, the Sync switch has to be in position ”Midi/USB”.
A MIDI clock signal should be received either at the USB-port or at the MIDI DIN-socket.
Note:
Operation Steps:
Functions:
Sub-Functions for Steps 1-11
Step 1: MIDI-Contr. Box (sends/receives MIDI-Contr.-data)
Step 2: Gate-Out Polarity
Step 3: CV-Out Value hold on/off
Step 4: Gate-Lenght normal/legato
Step 5: Merge MIDI-In and internal MIDI data
Step 6: Send MIDI-Realtime-data (DIN socket)
Step 7: Send MIDI-Realtime-data (USB-Port)
Step 8: MIDI-Transpose/Loop function
Step 9: Auto Save function
Step 10: Step-switch position ”Stop” disabled
Step 11: Input clock-divider disabled for MIDI-Clock
Scale-Function
Step-Schalter 1-13 enable/disable Noten ”C” bis ”C1” (ON/OFF)
Step-Switches ON/OFF
hold down (> 5 Sec.)
=> LED flashes
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
press
hold down (> 5 Sec.)
=> LED flashes
press
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
enable
Scale-Ftcn
Quantize
Scale
6.
6.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
O
Jump
Stop Stop Stop
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
8
Skip Skip Skip Skip
1.
2.
1.
2.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
9 10 11
Dark time
DOEPFER
Functions
Functions
Dark time
DOEPFER
28 29
3.4. Menu and Sub-Function Overview
Dark Times user interface makes use of some menus resp. ”hidden” functions. You have learned these
functions (hopefully) while studying this manual. The following gures show all hidden functions, the corres-
ponding operation steps and the LED displays in an overview. You may use this as an orientation guide.
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
Note:
Operating Steps:
hold down
(LED lights up)
hold down
(LED lights up)
Tempo
Tempo
Gate-Lenght
Clock-Divider
global
Clock-Divider global
Shuffle
Shuffle
Gate-Lenght
LED Display:
no Display
no Display
no Display
Step-LED 1 – 14
(ref. to chart, p. 14)
Step-LED 1 – 14
(ref. to chart, p. 14)
Step-LED 1 – 14
(ref. to chart, p. 14)
Step-LED 1 – 16
Step-LED 1 – 16
Functions:
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
press
hold down
(LED lights up)
press
hold down
(LED lights up)
press
MIDI-Channel
Row 1
MIDI-Channel
Row 2
MIDI-Channel Row 1
MIDI-Channel Row 2
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
Clock-Div
Out
Clock-Div
In
Clock-Divider Out
Combi-Parameters:
LED 1: Gate-Lenght
LED 2: Velocity
LED 3: MIDI-Controller # 1
LED 4: MIDI-Controller # 7
LED 5: Selectable MIDI-Controller (Learn-Fctn.)
LED 6: Pitch-Bend
Learn-Function:
Dark Time receives Controller
for Combi-Parameter 5
Clock-Divider In
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
enable Combi-Parameter
Pitches for Steps 1-8
Parameter Values for Steps 1-8
Combi
Link
Parameter-
Selection
no
Function
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
hold down (> 5 Sec.)
=> LED flashes
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
0000000 0
4444444 46666666 6
1111111 1
3
3
33
3
33 3
2222222 28888888 8
01010101010101
10
9999999 9
7
7
77
77
7 7
0000000 0
4444444 46666666 6
1111111 1
3
3
33
3
33 3
2222222 28888888 8
01010101010101
10
9999999 9
7
7
77
77
7 7
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Please refer to page
13, 14
Please refer to page 18
Please refer to page
15, 18
Please refer to page 16
Please refer to page
13, 14, 25
Please refer to page
13, 14, 25
Note:
Operation Steps:
Functions:
Sub-Functions for Steps 1-11
Step 1: MIDI-Contr. Box (sends/receives MIDI-Contr.-data)
Step 2: Gate-Out Polarity
Step 3: CV-Out Value hold on/off
Step 4: Gate-Lenght normal/legato
Step 5: Merge MIDI-In and internal MIDI data
Step 6: Send MIDI-Realtime-data (DIN socket)
Step 7: Send MIDI-Realtime-data (USB-Port)
Step 8: MIDI-Transpose/Loop function
Step 9: Auto Save function
Step 10: Step-switch position ”Stop” disabled
Step 11: Input clock-divider disabled for MIDI-Clock
Scale-Function
Step-Schalter 1-13 enable/disable Noten ”C” bis ”C1” (ON/OFF)
Step-Switches ON/OFF
hold down (> 5 Sec.)
=> LED flashes
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
press
hold down (> 5 Sec.)
=> LED flashes
press
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
enable
Scale-Ftcn
Quantize
Scale
6.
6.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
O
Jump
Stop Stop Stop
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
8
Skip Skip Skip Skip
1.
2.
1.
2.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
9 10 11
Please refer to page
18, 19, 20, 22
Please refer to page 11
3.5. Firmware Update
Dark Times rmware can easily be updated via USB. In case a new rmware version is available, you can
download it from our website (www.doepfer.de). A detailed description of the update process can be found
in the additional technical description of Dark Time. You can download this documentation here:
www.doepfer.de -> Products -> Dark Time -> Additional technical documentation
3.6. Display OS-Version and reset Dark Time
3.6.1. Display OS-Version
When Dark Time is powered up, its LEDs show the version of the currently installed operation software. For
about 2 or 3 seconds, exactly 2 LEDs light up. They display the Numbers of the OS-version: upper LED
row = rst digit, lower LED row = second digit.
3.6.2. Reset Dark Time
If Dark Time might behave strange and you have eliminated any possibility of operating errors, you should
do a reset. All parameters listed in the following chart are set to their factory settings.
Next to this, Dark Time displays the number of its operation software for about 2 or 3 seconds. It is dis-
played with the help of the Step LEDs.
To reset Dark Time and show the OS version:
• Press and hold the Reset key while Dark Time is switched off.
• Power Dark Time up while you still hold down the Reset key.
For about 2 or 3 seconds, exactly 2 LEDs light up. They display the Numbers of the OS-version: upper LED
row = rst digit, lower LED row = second digit.
After this, all LEDs light up for a short while, then just Step-LEDs 1 and 9 should remain lighted up.
Please set all controls and switches into the basic position, shown on page 8. Dark Time ist now ready to
use again.
Dark time
DOEPFER
Nuts and bolds of sequencing
31
Dark time
DOEPFER
Functions
30
The following software controlled parameters are affected by the reset and brought into their factory
settings (the scale function remains uneffected of the reset).
Please note: In case of any malfunction of your Dark Time, it is absolutely importand to do a reset before
you contact our support. Please do NOT send any units to Doepfer without having done a reset and che-
cking again for proper functionality – many thanks!
3.6.3. Auto Save function
You can choose by a software controlled function, wether Dark Time starts with its default settings shown in
the chart above or recalls your individual settings of the corresponding parameters.
To enable Auto Save you will need the sub menu functions, formerly described on pages 18, 19, 22 and 27.
How to open the sub menu:
• Hold down the Function key for at least 5 sec. The Function LED ashes and the other three
key-LEDs light up.
• Press the Start/Stop key (it remains lighted up). You just entered the sub menu.
In this state of function, the Step switches ”On/Off/Skip” of the steps 1 - 11 work as on/off switches for
several sub-functions. Only the ”On/Off” positions are relevant (not ”Skip”).
The step LEDs show you the current status of the corresponding function. Since the setting of the switches
may not necessarily match the current function-status after entering the sub menu, it is useful to operate
the switches several times until you get a clear feedback over the current function status.
• Please use Step switch 9 to disable / enable the Auto Save function.
• To exit the sub menu, simply press ”Function” once more.
Function Setting
MIDI-channel row 1 Channel 1
MIDI-channel row 2 Channel 1
Controllerbox function Off
Gate-Out polarity Positive
Hold CV Off
Extended gate lenght Off (”normal”)
Merge external and internal MIDI-events Off
Send MIDI-Realtime data via MIDI/USB-Out On / On
Clock-Divider: Internal / Out / In 1/16 / 1/16 / 1/96
MIDI-Transpose/Loop On
Step Status switch ”STOP” disabled Off
Auto Save Off
MIDI cntr. # – Combi mode 5 74
MIDI note # (External mode) 24
3.7. +12V Modication
As you allready know, Dark Time puts out gate-, clock-, start/stop- and reset-voltages via it‘s analogue inter-
face. By default, these voltage have +5V level. Some vintage synthesizers may require higher voltages. In
order to match with these machines, the levels of these signals can be changed from their default setting
(+5V) to +12V by changing the position of an internal jumper on one of Dark Times boards.
First, get yourself a Philipps screwdriver and loose the four screws on the bottom lid. Remove the bottom
lid. Locate the jumper ”JP7” on the interface board (the smaller board). It is a 3-pole pin row with the jum-
per, that can be placed in two positiions. In the default setting, the jumper is placed in the middle and left-
most pins (please refer to the upper picture). The gate-, clock-, start/stop- and reset-voltages will have +5V.
+5V position of JP7:
+12V position of JP7:
Place the jumper into the middle and rightmost pins (please refer to the lower picture) and the gate-, clock-,
start/stop- and reset-voltages will have +12V.
Note:
Operation Steps:
Functions:
Sub-Functions for Steps 1-11
Step 1: MIDI-Contr. Box (sends/receives MIDI-Contr.-data)
Step 2: Gate-Out Polarity
Step 3: CV-Out Value hold on/off
Step 4: Gate-Lenght normal/legato
Step 5: Merge MIDI-In and internal MIDI data
Step 6: Send MIDI-Realtime-data (DIN socket)
Step 7: Send MIDI-Realtime-data (USB-Port)
Step 8: MIDI-Transpose/Loop function
Step 9: Auto Save function
Step 10: Step-switch position ”Stop” disabled
Step 11: Input clock-divider disabled for MIDI-Clock
Scale-Function
Step-Schalter 1-13 enable/disable Noten ”C” bis ”C1” (ON/OFF)
Step-Switches ON/OFF
hold down (> 5 Sec.)
=> LED flashes
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
press
hold down (> 5 Sec.)
=> LED flashes
press
ShueDivide
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
PulsewidthClock
00
44 6
5
6
11
33
22 88
10
10
99
77
enable
Scale-Ftcn
Quantize
Scale
6.
6.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
O
Jump
Stop Stop Stop
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
8
Skip Skip Skip Skip
1.
2.
1.
2.
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont.
9 10 11
Dark time
DOEPFER
Nuts and bolds of sequencing
Dark time
DOEPFER
Nuts and bolds of sequencing
32 33
4. The Nuts and Bolts of analog Sequencing
In case step sequencers – or sequencers in general – are new to you, please read this section thoroughly.
You will learn about the nuts and bolts of these machines that will help you to grasp Dark Time’s nasty (well,
sort of…) little secrets fully.
If you are an expert already, the study of the following section is not a must-read, but maybe at least en-
tertaining in some ways (we have tried our best not to bore you to tears, mind you). So please feel free to
continue… or not.
4.1. A very brief history of step sequencers
Since the 18th century, mostly clockmakers and makers of mechanical musical instruments have tried to
create devices which would generate tonal and musical patterns automatically. The musical boxes of those
days of yore could be called the great-grandfathers of modern sequencers.
Of course it was not possible to alter an existing pattern and if so, only with
a lot of technical effort. Changing the pattern was out of the question once
it had been cast in brass cylinders, etched into iron disks, or punched into
cards (did we hear you say steam calliope or player piano?). By the mid-
20th century, electronics had become widely available for generating sound
but were only used by universities, broadcasters, and the military. In the
1960s Robert Moog and Donald Buchla devised the use of voltage-control
for sound-generating modules independently of each other, and the situati-
on changed quickly: All important parameters of a sound like pitch, timbre,
duration, and level could now be controlled in a relatively easy way by a
handful of low voltages and a bunch of cables, knobs and switches. The
dream of the automated musical instrument that had been around for centu-
ries suddenly was within an arm’s reach. All that was needed was a device
that generated a continuous ”sequence” of voltages to control a series of
pitches. The step sequencer was born.
4.2. „Less is more“, or: Some good reasons for using a step sequencer
Of course we all know that digitalization of musical data is pretty easy and a very common thing to do these
days. Storage and retrieval of complex musical literature (no matter whether a pop song or a symphony) is
possible by today’s technical achievements. Even the performance of a skilled piano player can be re-
corded and stored in an adequately equipped (software-) sequencer and played back by a computer. So
why would we want to mess around with such an anachronistic thing that is just capable of storing sixteen
notes at a time by setting a couple of controls manually? Quite simple: The majority of interesting genres
of electronic music is still characterized by the minimalist trademark rhythm of step sequences with just a
limited number of stages. Think of the ”Cosmic Couriers” of the early 1970s, the repetitive ”robot”-sound of
the proto-techno era, the ”acid”-tracks of the 1990s, or the minimal-techno productions of today. The re-
petitive rhythm of a step sequencer is still an absolutely essential and important stylistic element of many,
many genres of electronic music. It lives from the restriction to absolute simplicity and the hypnotic effect of
endlessly repeating patterns that were and still are the trademark of this music. Thus the step sequencer is,
despite of all its alleged limitations, as important today as it was when it was rst introduced.
4.2.1. Squeezing more music out of eight notes
When working with a step sequencer, it would be a wise move to get rid of old-fashioned ways of song-
writing and all theory of melody and harmony rst. The step sequencer is made for tactile and sensual
experience and hands-on experimentation. What might seem to be quite abstract and technical at rst sight
will soon become very special qualities in their own right – far removed from traditional keys and notes. And
that’s what it’s all about: You will get musical results that would not have been possible by the use of
traditional ways of songwriting on a ”real” (read: „traditional“) instrument, a piece of sheet music or even a
computer. The desired repetitive elements, the subtle evolution within patterns, and nally the equality of
melody and timbre will come into being almost automatically.
This opens up one more important perspective – the somewhat ”technical” and apparently ”unmusical” in-
terface of a step sequencer gives you direct hands-on access to each step of the pattern. A device like Dark
Time enables the artist to interact with musical patterns in many ways by just hitting one or two controls or
icking a switch. No need to mess around with a mouse, editing-windows, and QWERTY
keyboards.
Apart from that, you are always free to record a rocking pattern into your computer sequencer in order to
use it as a part of a bigger composition and to free up Dark Time for creating new and even more rocking
patterns.
Another interesting aspect is the fact that you cannot only use your step sequencer to control pitch but also
the parameters of a sound of an external synthesizer in the same intuitive way– e.g. the cutoff frequency of
its lter. Dark Time’s ”Range” switch produces all voltage ranges that are useful in conjunction with analog
synthesizers.
Dark Time is capable of addressing two registers of eight steps each in parallel. So two parameters of a
sound can be accessed independently, e.g. pitch and lter frequency, volume and timbre etc. Now let two
registers run against each other or one of them controlled randomly, play with the jump function and so on.
The sequencer will become a pattern-based sound generator!
Addendum
Dark time
DOEPFER
35
Dark time
DOEPFER
Nuts and bolds of sequencing
34
4.2.2. Programming melodies into the step sequencer
Of course it is possible to enter tonal melodies into a step sequencer like Dark T
ime – you should simply
bear some conceptual differences in mind when it comes to using a sequencer vs. a traditional keyboard.
For the time being we would like to have a closer look at some fundamentals of programming melodies into
a step sequencer. Let’s keep Dark Time’s specications in mind for this.
When sitting down in front of a keyboard instrument, e.g. a piano, its entire range of notes of up to seven
octaves is spread out in front of you. You will be able to easily grasp the position of each note at a glimpse.
Each key generates one tone with a specic frequency resp. specic pitch at a time which corresponds to a
note name, clearly dened in our occidental system of writing music.
In most cases you will play a synthesizer from a traditional keyboard also – at rst sight the outset is the
same. But often you have the ability to detune the instrument continuously over a much wider range by just
one turn of a knob. If you do so, the pitch of a played key (e.g. ”C”) will not necessarily correspond to the
pitch actually audible.
An electronic instrument – let’s say, a synthesizer – is not
restricted to keys, organised in semitones when it comes
to determining the pitch. You may also use knobs – as
your Dark Time does. When turning one of the sixteen
step controls on Dark Time’s front panel, the control
voltage produced by the corresponding step is changed
and thus the pitch played by the synthesizer connected.
Since the knobs work continuously, the programming
of the pitch is not restricted to semitones. You can also
obtain all sorts of pitches ”in between”. So it is very easy
to create atonal patterns or microtonal changes.
In most cases, though, you might want to create tonal
patterns that are matching our well-known tonal system
we have grown accustomed to. If you are lucky to call a
sensitive ear and perfect pitch your own, you simply have
to tune your synthesizer correctly and tune the desired pitches ”by ear” using the controls. If your ears are
only average – nothing to be ashamed of –, an electronic chromatic tuner is a very good tuning aid.
Now Dark Time’s Range switch comes into play: In 1V position, a full turn of a step control covers a range
of twelve semitones, thus one octave. This ratio was determined by the rst analog synthesizers on the
market. Shifting control voltages by one volt would result in pitch changing by one octave. This ratio, named
”scaling”, became a standard very soon and it still is today. Exceptions from the rule were some vintage
Japanese units (e.g. by Korg and Yamaha) that used an alternative method of scaling and interfacing.
When setting Dark Time’s Range switch to another posi-
tion (like 2V or 5V), a full turn of a step control will yield a
wider control voltage range and thus cover a wider range
of notes. Finding a desired note will become more difcult
then, though. Enjoy nding those you weren’t exactly
looking for.
Of course you are not restricted to controlling the pitch
of an external sound source by Dark Time. Feel free to
control all other parameters of your synthesizer that has
inputs for control voltages, e.g. lter, volume, envelope
settings and many more. Using different voltage ranges is
especially useful with this kind of application.
Let’s come back to the programming of tonal patterns again. Using a continuously variable control, la-
beled ”1-10”, would not seem to be the best tool for determining musical pitch. That is because it would
not exactly resemble a specic pitch or note. Dark Time’s function named ”quantize” is a handy little
helper. Set to ”on”, the step controls won’t be continuously variable anymore. The range of control volta-
ges will be ”sliced” into semitones. Their number will depend on the setting of the range switch (1V = 13
semitones/1octave – or to be precise, a ’ninth’ which is e.g. from ”c” to “”c‘ ” or 13 semitones respectively;
2V = 25 semitones/2octaves; 5V = 61 semitones/5 octaves). Now it will be relatively easy to distinguish the
notes of an octave by ear – at least in the 1V- and 2V-settings.
Dark Time’s transpose switches can be used to transpose both step registers up or down by one octave.
You may also use an external control voltage, connected to the CV1 In and CV2 In sockets to shift the pitch
of both registers independently. A keyboard with discrete semitones will work, as well as another control
voltage source, e.g. an LFO, that generates continuous voltages. You may also use a MIDI keyboard or a
MIDI controller for this purpose and connect it to Dark Time’s MIDI-In socket or the USB port (do not forget
to set the MIDI-channel number…. see page 17).
Making music with a step sequencer like Dark Time is much more intuitive and much easier than you might
expect after having read the last couple of pages. You will certainly grow comfortable with this very exciting
way of musical performance the more you practice. The best way of practising still is having fun and enjoy-
ing yourself.
Anyway, we wish you lots of fun and success when exploring your Dark Time!
1V
2V
5V
Range
1 Oktave 2 Oktaven
5 Oktaven
Dark time
DOEPFER
Addendum Addendum
Dark time
DOEPFER
36 37
Service and terms of warranty.
Concerning service and warranty conditions, please refer to our terms of business.
You will nd our terms of business at:
www.doepfer.de
Doepfer Musikelektronic GmbH
Geigerstr. 13
D-82166 Gräfelng / Deutschland
EG Conformity
Für das als Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH „Dark Time“ bezeichnete Produkt wird hiermit bestätigt, dass es den
Schutzanforderungen entspricht, die in der Richtlinie 89/336/FWG des Rates zur Angleichung der Rechtsvorschriften der
Mitgliedsstatten über die elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit festgelegt sind. Es entspricht außerdem den Vorschriften des Gesetzes
über die elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit von Geräten (EMVG) vom 30. 08. 1995. Zur Beurteilung des Produkts wurden folgende
harmonisierende Normen herangezogen:
EM 50 082-1: 1992, EN 50 081-1 : 1992, EN60065 : 1995
Please refer to our website „terms of business“.
Disposal
This device complies to the EU guidelines and is manufactured RoHS conform without the use of led, mercury, cadmium and
chrome. Still, this device is special waste and disposal in household waste is not permitted.
For disposal, please contact your dealer or :
Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH, Geigerstr. 13, D-82166 Gräfelng / Deutschland
IMPRINT
Owners Manual by Matthias Fuchs / VISOPHON, Berlin, Germany
English version tweaked and adjusted by Stephen Parsick / doombient music, Bielefeld, Germany
Copying, distribution or any commercial use in any way is prohibited and needs the written permission by the manufacturer.
Specications subject to change without notice.
Although the content of this owners manual has been thoroughly checked for errors, Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH cannot
guarantee that it is error-free throughout. Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH cannot be held liable for any misleading or incorrect
information within this guide.
doepfer
Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH
Geigerstr. 13
D-82166 Gräfelng / Deutschland
www.doepfer.de
All rights reserved ©2010-2013 Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH
5. Addendum Notes:
38 39
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